Nia Long and Jafaar Jackson were spotted on location in Encino, deeply engaged in the shooting of the highly anticipated movie “Michael,” bringing their characters to life amidst the scenic backdrop.Photo:BACKGRID
BACKGRID
Jaafar Jacksonhas big shoes to fill as he takes on the role of his uncle.
The actor, 27, will portrayMichael Jacksonin the upcoming biopicMichael,and the uncanny resemblance between the two was on full display in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Jaafar was spotted on set in a white dress shirt with a black tie, black pants, high white socks and black shoes. He also rocked the icon’s signature curly black hair.
In another photo, he wore a brown cross-body bag as he stood in a doorway beside costarNia Long, 53, who’ll portray Michael’s mother Katherine in the film.
aafar Jackson is spotted on the set of the new Michael Jackson Biopic in Los Angeles.TheImageDirect.com
TheImageDirect.com
Colman Domingo rounds out the castas Michael’s father Joe in the biopic,which is due out April 18, 2025. Joe, whodied at 89in 2018, managed Michael and his siblings in the Jackson 5, as well as daughters Rebbie,La ToyaandJanetfor decades.
Nia Long spotted on the set of the new Michael Jackson Biopic in Los Angeles.TheImageDirect.com
The photos from the film’s set come just days afteran official first look photo of Jaafar as his uncle, whodied in 2009 at age 50, introduced fans to the film.
“With Jaafar, every look, every note, every dance move is Michael,” producer Graham King said in a statement. “He embodies Michael in a way that no other actor could.”
Jaafar Jackson is spotted on the set of the new Michael Jackson Biopic in Los Angeles.TheImageDirect.com
The film’s director,Training Day’s Antoine Fuquasaid of the project, “We have assembled an incredible team of artists for this project — hair and makeup, costumes, cinematography, choreography, lighting, everything — and some who knew and worked with Michael are reuniting for this film."
“But most importantly, it’s Jaafar who embodies Michael. It goes beyond the physical resemblance. It’s Michael’s spirit that comes through in a magical way. You have to experience it to believe it,” he added.
“When I walked onto the set, I felt like I’d gone back in time and I was walking into the stadium to shoot the tour. Seeing Jaafar perform, I thought, ‘Wow, it is Michael,’ " added Mazur.
“The way he looks and acts, his mannerisms, everything — he’s Michael Jackson. For anyone who didn’t have the chance to see Michael perform live during his lifetime — this is how it was.”
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson for ‘Michael’.Kevin Mazur/ Lionsgate
Kevin Mazur/ Lionsgate
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The biopic will “bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop.”
“As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”
Michaelis in theaters April 18, 2025.
source: people.com
